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Bundesliga preview

The race for places in next season's Europa League is hotting up in the Bundesliga, with 11 clubs in real contention.

Last Updated: 15/02/13 9:09am

Christian Streich: Not influenced by current standings

There are 13 games of the season remaining and the German top-flight looks tighter than ever.

Only seven points separate fifth-placed Freiburg and 15th-placed Fortuna Dusseldorf. Although Bayern Munich are now on course for the title, and Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt are somewhat detached from the followers, the race is now on for just two places in Europe.

Freiburg and Mainz would occupy the places were the season to end now - but Freiburg coach Christian Streich is not letting the current standings influence him.

"We have got to be realistic," he said. "If we get to play another year in the Bundesliga, then we are delighted."

He takes his side to Werder Bremen on Saturday to face a club who, just a few weeks ago, were discarding their own chances of playing in Europe next season, yet have edged back to within three points of the top six.

Likewise, Hamburg are only missing out on a European berth on goal difference - a far cry from their early-season relegation worries.

They host fellow contenders Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday, preparing another upset after winning 4-1 in Dortmund last weekend.